"How is Mr. Kean?" asked Cooper, in a friendly tone.
"He had a severe headache, but he is better, and hopes to be at the office to-morrow."
"Tell him I shall be glad to see him, but don't want him to come unless he is really able."
"Thank you, sir. I will do so." And Luke left the office.
He went back to Ambrose Kean, and told him what had happened at the office.
"I have escaped better than I deserved," he said. "It will be a lesson to me. Please tell Mrs. Merton that her timely aid has saved my reputation and rescued my poor mother from sorrow and destitution."
"I will, and I am sure she will consider the money well spent."
The next morning, as Luke stood at his usual post, he saw Thomas Browning, of Milwaukee, come out of the Sherman House. He knew him at once by the wart on the upper part of his right cheek, which gave him a remarkable appearance.
"Can there be two persons answering this description?" Luke asked himself.
Thomas Browning came across the street, and paused in front of Luke.